Image of a therapist and client in a counseling session.

6,431 people sought child therapy help in Massachusetts in the last year

Discover how starting therapy with a child can support your own journey toward a happier, more fulfilling life.

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All MA providers are fully booked, but check back tomorrow — sessions become available daily!

Starting Child therapy

What is child therapy?

Child therapy, also known as counseling for kids, helps young individuals better understand and manage the challenges that affect their mental health. Common challenges amongst kids include behavioral issues, trauma, bullying, depression, and anxiety. All ages of children can attend and benefit from child therapy at Thriveworks Boston.

How does child therapy work?

Child therapy works by using multiple techniques tailored to fit the child’s needs based on their age group, their challenges, and the severity of their challenges. It might involve play therapy for younger kids or cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, art therapy, and others for varying ages. In any case, Thriveworks child therapists in Boston, MA have the expertise and experience to help kids at their level.

Play therapy vs. child therapy

Child therapy is a type of therapy meant for clients within a specific age group, while play therapy is an approach to therapy that helps children with self-expression and stress relief, among others. Play therapy is a technique that is often used in child therapy to help children express what’s running through their minds when they do not have the words to express their thoughts and emotions. It can get children to express what’s wrong, what might be causing unwanted behaviors, or what they might need in a way that is accessible to them so that therapists can then work to treat the issue.

How to tell if my child needs counseling

It’s not always obvious when a child should see a therapist for their behavior, though in the midst of challenges like divorce, loss, bullying, and other mental health conditions, it’s often a good idea to seek it out. Common behaviors that can indicate a need for child therapy include separation anxiety, bedwetting (at inappropriate ages), and agitation/excessive irritability — especially if it reaches a point of physical violence.

What type of therapy is best for children?

Cognitive behavioral therapy at Thriveworks in Boston, MA is one of the best types of therapy for children. However, it can be administered in child therapy sessions in a variety of ways that are more accessible to young minds, such as play therapy.

Is child therapy conducted in person or online?

Child therapy at Thriveworks is conducted both in person and online by video. We encourage you to choose the option that works best for you.

How long does child therapy last?

The length of child therapy depends on your child’s needs as well as the goals that you and their therapist might have for them. Generally, child therapy sessions will last for several months.

How much does child therapy cost?

At Thriveworks, we take most major forms of insurance, which means that many of our clients only pay a $0-$50 co-pay per session. However, there are also self-pay options that sit around $200 per session, depending on the service and location, for those who are out-of-network.

Pricing & insurance

Our therapists accept most major insurances. We accept 585+ insurance plans, and offer self-pay options, too.
Learn more about pricing for therapy and counseling services at Thriveworks.

Our Boston therapists and counselors accept 29 insurance plans

  • Aetna

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts | BCBS Medicare Advantage (HMO | PPO)

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield | Anthem (Blue Card)

  • Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Massachusetts | BCBS

  • Carelon

  • Cigna | Evernorth

  • Cigna | Evernorth EAP

  • Cigna | Evernorth Medicare Advantage

  • Compsych

  • Fallon Health

  • First Health Network

  • Harvard Pilgrim

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Self-pay costs at Boston
Talk therapy

Talk therapy

Includes individual, couples, child/ teen, & family therapy

First session

$1

Ongoing sessions

$1

Talk therapy

Psychiatry

Includes reducing symptoms with medication & management

First session

$1

Ongoing sessions

$1

Hear from our clients

4.7 Learn about verified reviews
★★★★★
For the past year my mental, emotional and physical health has been restored. By God's providence, I connected with a psychiatric nurse practitioner at your agency. She skillfully assessed my situation and quickly prescribed much needed medication. I was at an all time low. Because of her expertise, compassion, and support, my life was renewed. So incredibly grateful to have my life back again.
Read more For the past year my mental, emotional and physical health has been restored. By God's providence, I connected with a psychiatric nurse practitioner at your agency. She skillfully assessed my situation and quickly prescribed much needed medication. I was at an all time low. Because of her expertise, compassion, and support, my life was renewed. So incredibly grateful to have my life back again.
Lillian Feb 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
I have had a wonderful experience using Thriveworks. The website is easy to use and getting into the Zoom meeting is seamless
Read more I have had a wonderful experience using Thriveworks. The website is easy to use and getting into the Zoom meeting is seamless
Erynn Feb 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★☆☆
It was very difficult getting my account up. I believe that happens because when we initially signed up i made the account but it’s under my spouse insurance. After fixing the problem my not his account reflects our current therapy sessions. We get emails and text but when we sign into the thrivework accounts we can’t see the billing cycle to pay or see out upcoming session. Neither one of our accounts display update and current account information. And we have called a few times to get it right and it’s not working . My therapist and agency is splendid
Read more It was very difficult getting my account up. I believe that happens because when we initially signed up i made the account but it’s under my spouse insurance. After fixing the problem my not his account reflects our current therapy sessions. We get emails and text but when we sign into the thrivework accounts we can’t see the billing cycle to pay or see out upcoming session. Neither one of our accounts display update and current account information. And we have called a few times to get it right and it’s not working . My therapist and agency is splendid
Isoke Feb 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
My limited time speaking with Marissa has been very help full. She has been very attentive to my needs.
Read more My limited time speaking with Marissa has been very help full. She has been very attentive to my needs.
Gary Dec 2023
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
I had the pleasure of working with Francesca about a year ago. Francesca is a versatile, and imaginative clinician. She takes an individual approach to every client and their situation. Her commitment to your growth and healing is of paramount importance to her. You'll be in great hands with her!
Read more I had the pleasure of working with Francesca about a year ago. Francesca is a versatile, and imaginative clinician. She takes an individual approach to every client and their situation. Her commitment to your growth and healing is of paramount importance to her. You'll be in great hands with her!
Boston Jan 2020
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
As a former colleague of Francesca Bjork's, when we worked together as educators of young children, I can highly recommend her as an insightful, caring, and knowledgeable counselor. She always seems able to pinpoint the crux of a matter, and help her clients (and coworkers) find the best path. In more than a few instances, when I was faced with a difficult situation, she was always willing to help in any way she could, whether as an ear to listen, an advocate, or a problem-solver. I am glad that she has found a base at Thriveworks, and is able to use her talent to help others.
Read more As a former colleague of Francesca Bjork's, when we worked together as educators of young children, I can highly recommend her as an insightful, caring, and knowledgeable counselor. She always seems able to pinpoint the crux of a matter, and help her clients (and coworkers) find the best path. In more than a few instances, when I was faced with a difficult situation, she was always willing to help in any way she could, whether as an ear to listen, an advocate, or a problem-solver. I am glad that she has found a base at Thriveworks, and is able to use her talent to help others.
Boston Nov 2019
Review left on Thriveworks.com

Where to find us

Getting here

Thriveworks Counseling & Psychiatry Boston is located at the corner of Emerson Place and Blossom Street, inside the Emerson Place Apartments building. We are located on the opposite side of Route 3 from the Charles River and Lederman Park. Across the street, on the opposite side of Blossom Street, you will find the Mass General Hospital complex.

Phone number

(617) 397-3951

Languages spoken by MA providers

  • Urdu
  • English
Monday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Tuesday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Wednesday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Thursday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Friday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Saturday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Sunday 8:00am - 9:00pm

Shown in ET

Monday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Tuesday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Wednesday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Thursday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Friday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Saturday 7:00am - 6:00pm
Sunday 8:00am - 5:00pm

Shown in ET

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